These days, patriotism ought to be manifested by standing for all repressed and forgotten people and a patriot must treat everyone equally and fairly regardless of ethnic lines, religious affiliations and political views, say public figures which The Ethiopian Herald approached for comment.
More than five months into his office, Dr. Abiy Ahmed has come up with widely accepted catch phrases such as synergy, love, reconciliation and forgiveness . These words have already earned the hearts and minds of the people if not be the order of the day.
Just few days away from the New Ethiopian Year, the government is trying to use the brief period of Pagume Month to inject positive energy by encouraging benevolence and unity by conveying message that could evoke patriotic emotions.
The last few months, have witnessed grand decision including the release of politicians, journalists, bloggers and others despite the challenges from the non-reformists.
Andualem Arague, key political figure, is among thousands of politicians who have been released recently that was met with cheers by human right groups. For him patriotism is not only showing concern for the pain you have been going through but also fighting for others who have been victim of injustice and persecution. Injustice somewhere is injustice everywhere.
In politics, everyone’s concern must be taken seriously.
He added: “Politicians must treat everyone equally and fairly; that is how a true patriotism manifests itself. Trying to heed to the interests of different individuals and groups must be the real sense of modern day patriotism particularly at this juncture. In fact there are times one gets into temptation and starts to doubt his love for his country usually when get locked behind bars for crimes he did not commit. But the bottom line is that you can harbor grudge on individuals but you cannot abandon your country.”
At this point in time, true patriots and politicians work for the good cause of the mass not just for own vested interest. The country needs calm and rational citizens ready to entertain diverse views. Nowadays, a ray of hope
is flickering with ongoing progresses that call for wise handling. The politicians and others having stake on national affairs need start living for others.
A modern patriot is one who respects divergent and opposite views and feels the pain his fellow compatriots are going through.
“We must stand up to the hatred and injustice. We cannot duck away. We must show our faces against hatred and vengeance,” he states._“Only then will Ethiopia’s reputation not be permanently marred by such acts.”
H added, “I was almost devastated when I was in custody that I even felt detesting my country. But it is not fair to attribute every injustice and repression to the country’ fate. It is the citizens who can build the country. In the face of diverse political stands, politicians by putting aside political differences should stand for justice and common good.”
Ethiopian Patriots Association Vice President, Ambassador Alemayew Abebe, for his part, says “Our forefathers stood firm to foreign aggression paying huge sacrifice,” noting “the veterans had fallen on battles to safeguard the sovereignty and the boundaries of this historic nation.”
Therefore, Ethiopians are known for their deep love and respect towards their country.
However, few politicians have been misleading the people to remain divided and it is not unorthodox to treat people badly in their ethnic lines. Combating these tendencies must unify the people as the victory of Adwa brought our forefathers together to fight the enemy.
No new emerging trends should not put the unified nation into danger and test the unity and oneness of these diverse people, he states adding, racism and mob justice are nowhere to Ethiopian values and centuries old moral.
In his speech, Dr. Abiy frequently stresses the need to maintain and cherish the values of generosity, tolerance while urging the people to denounce hate, tribalism and vengeance.
His messages earned him much reputation and love trigging nationwide mass rallies in support of him.
In unprecedented move after the government granted amnesty and offered official apology for those whom it said were arbitrarily arrested and those who have been in self imposed exile, some prominent individuals and politicians have already made their way back to homeland.
Despite these rosy progress, though the violence and displacement of the people is falling, the country faces some challenges which run against ongoing reform that the government and all the citizens should address as part of ensuring rule of law.
The Ethiopian Herald NP September 7, 2018
BY DESTA GEBREHIWOT
Comments are closed.